**Jamie xx Sparks Emotional Reunion with The xx at LIDO Festival in London**
Electronic music lovers were treated to an extraordinary homecoming at London’s LIDO festival this past Saturday, as celebrated DJ and producer Jamie xx took to the stage for a memorable performance. Renowned for his ground-breaking work with indie-electronic band The xx, Jamie xx surprised festival-goers by reuniting with bandmates Romy and Oliver Sim, reigniting the collective’s singular sound for a jubilant audience of 25,000 despite unfavourable weather.
Undeterred by persistent drizzle and leaden skies, fans packed Victoria Park’s historic Lido Field for the chance to witness the first on-stage performance from all three members of The xx in some time. Dressed casually in a chequered shirt and gold chain, Jamie xx commanded the stage with understated cool, quietly acknowledging the crowd’s energy with a nod, a raised beer, or a simple wave before diving into an array of vinyl selections.
The highlight for many came as Romy and Oliver Sim stepped into the spotlight, joining Jamie for renditions of some of their most beloved tracks, including the evocative “Waited All Night.” The reunion spanned both nostalgia and musical evolution, with Romy—who had already performed a solo set earlier in the day—concluding their shared moment by expressing heartfelt gratitude to the capital: “We love you, London,” she exclaimed, before sharing a hug with Jamie.
Jamie xx’s influence and creative range were also evident throughout his solo segments, where he mixed an eclectic array of genres. Beginning with a delicate piano-led piece, he soon shifted through an energetic spectrum of UK garage, house, dubstep, and techno. The crowd was particularly animated during tracks like “F.U.” featuring Erykah Badu and the pulsating “Baddy On The Floor” with Honey Dijon.
A striking visual component accompanied the music: during a remix of “I Hate Hate,” visuals on screen depicted a dancer draped in a keffiyeh bearing the colours of the Palestinian flag, a move that drew a ripple of intrigue and discussion in the audience. The stage’s dynamic graphics—starting as a monochrome checkerboard reminiscent of classic nightclub aesthetics—later transformed to spotlight revellers in slow-motion, fostering a sense of collective celebration.
Earlier in the day, Jamie xx made history with his first-ever back-to-back set alongside DJ Nia Archives, a rising star whom he recently collaborated with on a remix of “Waited All Night.” The pair alternated tracks under the big top, each sonic shift greeted with thunderous cheers. This collaborative spirit extended to the festival’s broader line-up, which Jamie helped curate, intentionally blending performances by personal friends, respected colleagues, and admired talents such as Sampha, Arca, and Shy FX.
The LIDO festival, conceived last autumn and set in one of East London’s most iconic outdoor spaces, has quickly become a staple for both local fans and international visitors. This year, it boasts a formidable line-up across multiple weekends, with headliners including Charli XCX, Massive Attack, and London Grammar.
A new addition to the festival this year was The Floor, a club-inspired stage concept reflecting Jamie xx’s longstanding involvement with London’s underground music scene. Cloaked in moody lighting and swirling smoke, the stage featured contributions from acts like DJ Harvey, immersing attendees in an atmosphere reminiscent of the city’s most storied clubs.
Born James Thomas Smith, Jamie xx rose to global prominence in the 2010s as part of The xx, who made a compelling mark with their breathy, emotive take on indie pop. This latest reunion has fuelled speculation about possible future projects from the trio, with fans hoping that the magic witnessed at LIDO will inspire further collaborations.
For now, fans left LIDO festival elated after a rare moment where nostalgia, innovation, and the communal power of live music converged—London, it seems, still holds a special place in Jamie xx’s heart.